Continuity will return to Indianapolis 500 prerace festivities when Jim Cornelison sings "(Back Home Again in) Indiana" for the second-consecutive year.

Known for singing “The Star-Spangled Banner” at Chicago Blackhawks home games, Cornelison was announced today as “Back Home Again” vocalist for the 102nd Running of the Indianapolis 500 on May 27, 2018.

Cornelison will become the first performer to sing "Back Home Again" in consecutive years since the retirement of Jim Nabors in 2014. "Gomer Pyle" actor Nabors sang the tune 36 times during Indy 500 prerace ceremonies between 1972 and 2014. IMS has made no plans for the 2019 rendition.

Straight No Chaser, an a cappella group formed at Indiana University, sang "Back Home Again" in 2015, followed by Indianapolis resident and "The Voice" champion Josh Kaufman in 2016.

Indiana native and country music artist Clayton Anderson, who also performed as part of Legends Day, walks the red carpet prior to the 2017 Indy 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 28, 2017. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar

Alex Smith, quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs, takes a picture with fans on the red carpet prior to the 2017 Indy 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 28, 2017. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar

Alex Smith, quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs, and his wife Elizabeth Barry walk the red carpet prior to the 2017 Indy 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 28, 2017. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar

“Jim perfectly captured the powerful emotion behind one of Race Day’s most iconic moments, and barely a day has gone by without a fan asking us to bring him back for next year’s race,” Indianapolis Motor Speedway president Doug Boles said in a statement. “We’re happy he’s returning to IMS and we’re grateful to our friends with the Blackhawks’ organization for working with us to make this happen.”

The Blackhawks were swept in the opening round of the 2017 NHL playoffs, bringing the team's season to a close on April 20. The NHL postseason ended on June 11 with the Pittsburgh Penguins winning the Stanley Cup.

A track spokesperson said IMS and the Blackhawks will seek a resolution if a home playoff game coincides with Race Day.

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